Progress on replacing traffic lights in west Mayo town

GOOD progress is being made on replacing the traffic lights at the Castlebar Road/Distillery Road junction in Westport, local Councillor Peter Flynn has reported.

Transportation Infrastructure Ireland (TII), as the responsible body, has funded the new lights, which will cost in the region of €60,000, with Mayo County Council assisting with their installation.

On his social media, Councillor Flynn explained how the cost plus the lead time to replace parts on the old lights meant installing new lights/system made much more sense.

Underground works associated with the new system are well underway and the hope is to have it in place for the upcoming bank holiday weekend, he explained.

The lights have been the subject of much discussion over the years, with many people of the view that they slow the traffic down too much and a mini roundabout would be an alternative solution for the location.

Said Councillor Flynn: 'While the broken lights has caused a lot of headaches for both pedestrians and motorists, I think it has proven the absolute need to have traffic lights in situ at this junction. The MOVA system used by the new light in conjunction with new road sensors should also provide better traffic flows once operational.

'With the northern relief road due to be in situ by March next year there is no doubt that traffic flows on this road will change. Maybe it will be time to consider Distillery Road and the bottom section of Castlebar Street one way so we create a new flow around town and take the pressure off Bridge Street?'